Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduces Ethanol Self-Administration in Rats

The main system of central ethanol (EtOH) oxidation is mediated by the enzyme catalase. By reacting with H2O2, brain catalase forms compound I (the catalase-H2O2 system), which is able to oxidize EtOH to acetaldehyde (ACD) in the brain. We have previously shown that ACD regulates EtOH motivational properties and possesses reinforcing effects by itself. In this study, we investigate the effects